Cambridge University Canoe Club

Course Outlines

Most of the club's training courses work towards BCU star tests. The test syllabi can be found on the BCU's website. In addition the aim is to enable students try out as many different aspects of paddling as possible, so they can decide exactly which direction they would like to go. The brief outlines below are intended for coaches of the Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate Courses.

Beginners Course

The beginners course covers all of the BCU 1 star strokes and the beginnings of the 2 star strokes. At the end of the course students are assessed for the BCU 1 star award. Students should be encouraged to attend the regular Saturday river sessions and Sunday pool sessions.

The emphasis of this course is on fun and games!

Improvers Course

The improvers course covers all of the BCU 2 star strokes. At the end of the course students will be assessed for the BCU 2 star award. In addition, the course includes one week dedicated polo session, one week dedicated marathon session, an evening at Nene and an afternoon paddle to Grantchester. Students should be encouraged to attend the regular Saturday river sessions and Sunday pool sessions.

The emphasis of this course is on trying out as many different aspects of canoeing as possible.

Intermediate Course

The intermediate course covers all of the BCU 3 star strokes. In addition, the course includes one week dedicated polo session, one week dedicated marathon session, and one week of safety and rescue work. At the end of the course there will be the opportunity for students to be assessed for the BCU 3 star award. However, due to the high standard to which strokes need to be preformed for this award, in most cases it will take at least two terms for students to attain this level. At this stage keen students may be able to be assessed for the BCU 3 and 4 star awards simultaneously. Students should be discouraged from being assessed if they are not performing strokes to the appropriate standard.

The emphasis of this course is on getting involved in the club activities and events. Students should attend either the regular Tuesday evening sessions at the Nene or the regular Sunday morning polo sessions and should be strongly encouraged to attend at least one river trip and one freestyle session at HPP or Hurley.